No. Hypnosis is a complementary therapy and should be used in partnership with conventional medicine.

Can I be forced into a trance?

No. It is a state of mind that needs your co-operation.

Am I too strong willed to be hypnotised?

Strength of will plays no part in the process.

Am I too intelligent to be hypnotised?

Wrong. The higher the intelligence and imagination the better.

Do hypnotised people lose control of themselves?

Quite the opposite, the client is in control of their trance and will only do that which seems right and helpful.

Will the hypnotist be mysterious and use a swinging watch or other paraphernalia to hypnotise me?

No. A competent hypnotist needs no airs, graces or spookiness.

Could I get stuck in a trance?

No, it simply does not happen. Many enjoy being in a trances so much they are sometimes reluctant to return to a normal state of awareness, but will come out of trance as soon as they are ready.

Will I be unconscious when in hypnosis?

No, there is no loss of consciousness involved, In 90 % of trances one will be perfectly aware of things around you, including sounds, movements and smells and wil be hyper sensitive to touch.

Will I be in the hypnotist's power?

Certainly not. Hypnotists cannot force anybody to do anything against their will. You can choose not to comply with any disagreeable suggestion. Many are very much more determined and assertive than in their normal state of being.

Will I reveal any secrets?

No. It is not a truth drug. You choose what to reveal, moreover you can even tell lies in trance.

Could the hypnotist take advantage of me in any way?

No. They have no more opportunity to exploit you than a hairdresser, a plumber or local shopkeeper. But just as it is important to find a competent hairdresser etc, it is equally important to make sure you have a good and capable hypnotist.

How are hypnotists trained?

There are various methods of training depending on which school they attend. Hypnosis training should be very practically based. When choosing a hypnotist please ask them about their training, qualifications and experience to satisfy yourself that they have adequate skills and knowledge.

How can I find a good hypnotist?

A personal recommendation from a friend is a good way. you can also look at either the National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists or the Hypnotherapy Directory. Both these sites check the qualifications of their members and see that they are adequately insured.

Can the hypnotist tell me exactly how many appointments I need?

No. A good hypnotist individualises treatment, which is uniquely tailored to your needs.

Do I need to book a course of sessions?

No. Booking and paying for one session at a time has advantages, because if you are not satisfied, you are free to finish whenever you please, without financial loss.

Is hypnosis a "one shot" treatment?

By no means. On occasions many do get great benefit from a single session. Everyone is a unique individual and the amount of sessions needed will vary. It will also depend on what issue(s) you want treated.